A MUM of three, who is a qualified sports coach, has set-up a club to try to keep youngsters active and healthy during the school holidays.

Carolyn Blake, 41, of Coker Road, Canvey, is a qualified football, netball, and basketball coach, and works as a teaching assistant at Seevic college in Thundersley.

She is also mum to Deanna, ten, Jared, eight and Kiera, five.

Carolyn has decided to set up a sports club at Canvey Junior School two days a week, during the holidays.

More than 20 children have enjoyed activities such as rounders, basketball, tennis, volleyball, dodgeball and football during twice-weekly sessions.

She said: "I think it's important children do something during the school holidays and don't just waste all their free time.

"It's also important they are healthy and active, so I thought this was a good, fun way of keeping them occupied. At first, it was mainly for children, aged seven to 11, at Canvey Junior School - but we've opened it up to everyone.

"I have full first aid training, the relevant criminal record bureau checks and a qualification in British sign language awareness in sport.

"Parents can have full confidence their children will be in safe hands.

"I'm keen to open the club up to deaf children, so if anyone would like to join in, please contact me."

Club members meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 10am and 3pm, at Canvey Junior School, Long Road, Canvey.

Each session costs £7.50 per child, which covers the cost of the gym when it rains. Call 01268 441152 for more information.